Network service functions API

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, specification of network service functions (e.g., a firewall or network address translation appliance) to be included in a service function path. Routers in a communication network may publish information regarding reachable network service functions and an API may be exposed that provides the information regarding the reachable network service functions. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to network service functions operating ina communication network.

BACKGROUND

Communication networks may provide service functions such as firewallservices or network address translation (NAT) services to customers. Theplacement of network service functions may be driven by a customer'slocation. For example, compute resources that implement a firewall maybe placed near a customer that has requested firewall services.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of systems functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of functions performed in a network abstraction layer withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for providing an application programming interface (API) toallow access to network service function information in a communicationnetwork. The API may provide access to information regarding availablenetwork service functions and may also allow a user to select networkservice functions and to build a network service path through which datawill be routed. Other embodiments are described in the subjectdisclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device,comprising a processing system including a processor; and a memory thatstores executable instructions that, when executed by the processingsystem, facilitate performance of operations. The operations may includereceiving a first list of network service functions reachable by a firstrouter in a first geographical location; receiving a second list ofnetwork service functions reachable by a second router in a secondgeographical location; exposing the first list of network servicefunctions and the second list of network service functions through anapplication programming interface (API); and receiving, through the API,a customer request for routing data traffic through at least one networkservice function of the first list of network service functions and thesecond list of network service functions.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a non-transitory,machine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations. The operations may include receiving a firstlist of network service functions reachable by a first router in a firstgeographical location; receiving a second list of network servicefunctions reachable by a second router in a second geographicallocation; exposing the first list of network service functions and thesecond list of network service functions through an applicationprogramming interface (API); and receiving, through the API, a customerrequest for routing data traffic through at least one network servicefunction of the first list of network service functions and the secondlist of network service functions.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method,comprising receiving, by a processing system including a processor, afirst list of network service functions reachable by a first router in afirst geographical location; receiving, by the processing system, asecond list of network service functions reachable by a second router ina second geographical location; exposing, by the processing system, thefirst list of network service functions and the second list of networkservice functions through an application programming interface (API);and receiving, by the processing system, through the API, a customerrequest for routing data traffic through at least one network servicefunction of the first list of network service functions and the secondlist of network service functions.

One or more additional aspects of the subject disclosure further includethe operations further comprising, in response to the customer request,building a service function path that includes the at least one networkservice function; the operations further comprising advertising aclassifier corresponding to the service function path to the firstrouter and the second router; the operations further comprising adding aclassifier to data traffic destined for the customer, wherein theclassifier corresponds to the service function path; wherein the atleast one network function comprises a firewall; wherein the at oneleast network function comprises a network address translation (NAT)service; wherein the receiving the first list of network servicefunctions reachable by the first router comprises receiving bordergateway protocol (BGP) advertising reachability of the first list ofnetwork service functions; wherein the first router is a first provideredge (PE) router, and the receiving the first list of network servicefunctions reachable by the first router comprises receiving the firstlist of network service functions from the first PE router; and whereinthe second router is a second provider edge (PE) router, and thereceiving the second list of network service functions reachable by thesecond router comprises receiving the second list of network servicefunctions from the second PE router.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 100 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. For example, system 100 can facilitatein whole or in part providing access to information regarding availablenetwork service functions through an API and building a network servicepath through which data will be routed. In particular, a communicationsnetwork 125 is presented for providing broadband access 110 to aplurality of data terminals 114 via access terminal 112, wireless access120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126 via basestation or access point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality oftelephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/or media access 140to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 via media terminal142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled to one or morecontent sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/or other media.While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130 andmedia access 140 are shown separately, one or more of these forms ofaccess can be combined to provide multiple access services to a singleclient device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content viamedia terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access viaswitching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

Various embodiments described herein provide mechanisms for customers tospecify network service functions to create service function chains, anddynamically append, modify and delete network service functions inexisting service function chains. Customers may place an order at acustomer portal device where a menu of available appliances thatimplement network services functions can be viewed and selected.Selected appliances may then be added to a service function chain tosteer traffic through an ordered set of appliances. By exposing networkservice functions (e.g., network address translation “NAT,” packetanalyzer server “PAS,” distributed denial of service (DDoS) mitigation,firewalls, proxies, etc.), the customer can form service function chainsbased upon any available criteria, including, location, current loading,service function type (e.g.,vendor), etc. The customer's data is thenrouted through the appliances in the service function chain. Managementof data and monitoring as described herein may be subject toauthorization of the relevant parties including the customer whose datais being monitored, where the authorization can be obtained in variousways including opt-in and opt-out techniques.

In some embodiments, a network controller dynamically discovers any orall reachable or attached network service functions in the network. Thecontroller may learn the availability of the network service functionsvia a communications protocol such as border gateway protocol (BGP). Thecontroller may then transform the BGP data in the form of arepresentational state transfer (REST) API and make the API availablefor use (e.g., to a service orchestration layer or directly to acustomer). The controller may then learn a customer flow through one ormore requests for selected network functions via an API request (e.g.,coming from the service orchestration layer or directly from acustomer). Once the controller knows of the requested network servicefunctions, a controller many then create a service chain path for theselected network service function(s) and advertise it to various networknodes (e.g., provider routers and provider edge routers). The controllermay then create a classifier route and map it to a given service chainpath, based on flows provided by the customer. When routing datatraffic, if a router encounters data traffic with a classifier match, itwill put the customer data flow onto the service chain path, so thatthis customer's data flows are steered through selected network servicefunctions.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of systems functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. FIG. 2Ashows system 200A that includes service portal/API 206A as part of aservice abstraction layer and a network controller 210A as part of anetwork abstraction layer. System 200A also includes customer endpoints290A and 292A, service endpoints 280A, 282A, and 284A, service functionnodes 220A and 270A, provider nodes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6, andprovider edge nodes PE1 and PE4.

Service function node 220A includes processing resources 222A andprovider edge node PE3. Service function node 220A may implement one ormore service network service functions 230A. For example, servicefunction node 220A may implement one or more of NAT 232A, firewall (FW)234A, PAS 236A, DDoS 238A, proxy 240A, and WANx 242A. In someembodiments, one or more of the network service functions 230A areimplemented as standalone appliances (e.g., dedicated hardwarefirewall), and in other embodiments, one or more of the network servicefunctions 230A are implemented using hardware servers, or virtualservers. For example, processing resources 222A may include a serverthat implements a NAT in software. Also for example, processingresources 222A may include a virtual server that implements a PASserver. PAS 236A may be an appliance that can perform various types ofpacket analysis and/or monitoring including sampling, header analysisand/or deep packet inspection (DPI).

Similarly, service function node 270A includes processing resources 272Aand provider edge node PE2. Service function node 270A may implement oneor more service network service functions 250A. For example, servicefunction node 270A may implement one or more of NAT 252A, firewall (FW)254A, PAS 256A, DDoS 258A, proxy 260A, and WANx 262A. In someembodiments, one or more of the network service functions 235A areimplemented as standalone appliances (e.g., dedicated hardwarefirewall), and in other embodiments, one or more of the network servicefunctions 250A are implemented using hardware servers, or virtualservers.

In some embodiments, provider nodes P1-P6 are nodes that include routingfunctions within a communication network. For example, provider nodesP1-P6 may be network elements (e.g., NEs 150, 152, 154, 156, FIG. 1 ) ina communication network (e.g., communication network 125, FIG. 1 ). Asshow in FIG. 2A, provider nodes P1-P6 have many routing paths betweenthem that are within the communication network. The routing paths thatare shown are only examples, as in practice, many different pathsbetween two provider nodes will generally exist.

Also in some embodiments, provider edge nodes PE1-PE4 are nodes withrouting functionality at the edge of a communication network. Forexample, PE1 may provide routing between customer endpoint CE1 andprovider nodes internal to the communication network (e.g., P1 and P2),and may also provide routing between customer endpoint MSN/H2CAS andprovider nodes internal to the communication network (e.g., P1 and P2).Also for example, PE4 may provide routing between service endpoints280A, 282A, 284A and provider nodes within the communication network(e.g., P4 and P6). Similarly, provider edge node PE3 is shown providingrouting between service function node 220A and provider nodes within thecommunication network (e.g., P3 and P4), and provider edge node PE2 isshown providing routing between service function node 270A and providernodes within the communication network (e.g., P2 and P5).

Customer endpoints, service endpoints, provider nodes, provider edgenodes, and service function nodes may be geographically distributed. Forexample, a customer in Texas may be served by a provider edge node alsoin Texas, while accessing a VPN service endpoint 282A in Virginia. Theprovider nodes that provide a data path between this customer endpointand service endpoint may also be geographically distributed.

In the example of FIG. 2A, service function node 220A is physicallylocated in Dallas, Tex., and service function node 270 is physicallylocated in Atlanta, Ga. In some embodiments, system 200A includes manymore service function nodes in many different geographical locations.

Controller 210A may be any type of network element capable ofcommunicating with provider nodes and/or provider edge nodes to collectinformation regarding available network service functions. In someembodiments, controller 210A does not route network traffic (e.g.,limited to control plane functionality), and in other embodiments,controller 210A may route network traffic in addition to providingcontrol functionality.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, provider edge nodes may expose reachablenetwork service functions to a controller. For example, provider edgenode PE3 may expose information using BGP identifying the reachabilityof network service functions 230A at 214A. Similarly, provider node PE2may expose information using BGP identifying the reachability of networkservice functions 250A at 212A. Any type of information describingreachable network service functions may be included. For example, aprovider edge node may expose network service function informationdescribing the physical location of the service function nodeimplementing the network service function (e.g., Dallas, Atlanta, etc.),network context attachment (e.g., VPN/GRT), network service functiontype (e.g., NAT, firewall, etc.), and network service functioncapabilities (e.g., firewall or PAS functions available).

In some embodiments, the advertisement by provider edge nodes of networkservice functions is dynamic. For example, if a NAT network servicefunction becomes reachable to PE3 at service function node 220A, PE3 maydynamically provide that information to the controller 210A. Likewise,if a firewall at 250A becomes unreachable for any reason, PE2 maydynamically provide that information to the controller 210A.

The controller 210A may then expose this information in the form of anAPI (e.g., a RESTful API) or a service portal in a manner that allows acustomer to select particular network functions and associatedcapabilities to be included in the customer's data flow. For example,controller 210A may interact with a customer service portal 206A thatallows a customer 204A to interact with a graphical user interface on adevice 202A local to the customer. In this example, a customer serviceportal may be an application on a mobile device, a program running on adesktop computer, or a website.

The customer service portal 206A may provide information to the customerregarding available network service functions along with data describingattributes of the available network service functions. For example,service portal 206A may show two available firewalls, firewall 234Aavailable in Dallas, and firewall 254A available in Atlanta. Serviceportal 206A may allow a customer to select one of the available networkservice functions to become part of the customer's network servicechain. Service portal 206A may also identify capabilities of the twofirewalls, and allow a customer to identify particular functions to beimplemented by the chosen firewall.

An API exposed by controller 210A may be used by any entity to gainaccess to the network service functions as described above. For example,a corporate customer may implement a software tool that interacts withan API to select network service functions to create service chains.Service chains may by dynamically created, updated, extinguished usingthe API exposed by controller 210A.

FIG. 2B shows a system in which one or more service function paths havebeen created. As shown in system 200B, a service function path 220B hasbeen created between a customer endpoint 290A and a service endpoint280A. A customer may specify the creation of service function path 220Bby interacting with a service portal or an application communicatingwith an API exposed by controller 210A. For example, a customer mayselect network service functions located in Dallas to be included in aservice function chain. In the example of FIG. 2B, the customer hasselected FW 234A, DDoS 238A, NAT 232A, and PAS 236A at the servicefunction node 220A to be included in a service function chain on servicefunction path 220B.

After the customer selects network service functions, the controller210A may extract additional information such as what PE the customer isconnected to and what PE the selected service function(s) are connected,and then use this information in the creation of a service functionpath. For example, if the customer selected a firewall in Dallas, thecontroller creates a service function path that includes PE1 and PE3.Once the service function path is created, it may then be advertised toall affected provider nodes and edge nodes. For example, as shown at212B and 214B, controller 210A may advertise the service function pathto PE1 and PE3.

A classifier may then be assigned to the service function path, and thatclassifier will also be added to data traffic to be routed on theservice function path. When a PE sees a classifier match on data that isbeing routed through the PE, the PE will route that particular trafficon the service function path. For example, if PE3 sees traffic that hasa classifier match with service function path 220B, PE3 will route thetraffic through the FW 234A, DDoS 238A, NAT 232A, and PAS 236A at theservice function node 220A.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating example, non-limitingembodiments of functions performed in a network abstraction layer withvarious aspects described herein. As shown in FIG. 2C, system 200C mayinclude a service chain builder and rendering 210C, service catalog220C, service chain qualifier 230C, data creation function 240C, andcontroller function 250C. These blocks/functions may be implemented inwhole or in part using controller 210A (FIGS. 2A, 2B). For example, insome embodiments, the various blocks shown in system 200C may beimplemented as methods performed by controller 210A, and in otherembodiments, some or all of the blocks shown in system 200C may beimplemented by other network elements within a communication network.

In operations, a customer 204A interacts with the service chain builder210C using service portal/API 206A to create a service chain byretrieving the user-constrained service catalog 220C, building theservice chain, qualifying the user built service chain validating andreserving appropriate resources 230C, committing the data to create theservice chain via the data creation function 240C, and commit theservice chain to the network via the controller function 250C with aunique ID.

Further, the customer may modify a service chain during its life cycleinteracting with the service chain builder function 210C to render thealready established service chain (by ID), interact with the datacreation function 240C to modify the already active service chain (e.g.,delete, update), and utilize the controller function 250C to active itin the network. In some embodiments, an additional feature includesactivating or suspending a previously built service chain.

In some embodiments the service catalog 220C may include user basedconstraints that limit which network service functions are presented toa customer or which features of particular network service functions arepresented to the customer. For example, a constraint based on locationmay allow firewalls in Dallas and Houston to be presented to a customerin Austin, but not allow a firewall in Atlanta to be presented to thesame customer in Austin. Other possible constraints include subscriptionlevel(s) of a customer, loading of a particular network node, etc.

In some embodiments, service chain qualifier with resource reservationfunction 230C may configure or retrieve resources for use in the networkfunction path (e.g. IP addresses). Resources may be retrieved from aresource pool, and then reserved for use before being committed to theservice function path.

FIG. 2D depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein. At 210D of method 200D, a firstlist of network service functions reachable by a first router in a firstgeographical location is received. In some embodiments, the actions of210D are performed by controller 210A (FIG. 2A) when it receivesinformation regarding network service functions reachable by provideredge nodes. For example, controller 210A may receive a list of networkservice functions from PE3 describing the network service functions 230Aavailable at service function node 220A.

At 220D, a second list of network service functions reachable by asecond router in a second geographical location is received. In someembodiments, the actions of 220D are performed by controller 210A whenit receives information regarding network service functions reachable bya provider edge node. For example, controller 210A may receive a list ofnetwork service functions from PE2 describing the network servicefunctions 250A available at service function node 270A.

The first and second lists of network service functions may include anyinformation regarding the network service functions. For example, thelist may include the geographical location of the network servicefunctions, capabilities of the network service functions, the type ofnetwork service functions, current loading of the network servicefunctions, and the like. The information describing the first and secondlists of network service functions may be received in any manner. Forexample, a communications protocol such as BGP may be used tocommunicate lists of network service functions between routers, provideredge nodes, and controllers.

At 230D, the first list of network service functions and the second listof network service functions are exposed through an applicationprogramming interface (API). In some embodiments, controller 210Aexposes the information received at 210D and 220D using the API. The APImay have multiple capabilities. For example, the API may provide a userof the API access to all or a subset of the information describing thefirst and second lists of network service functions. In someembodiments, the API may also allow selection of network servicefunctions to be included in a network service function path. Also forexample, multiple network service paths may be specified where each hasa set of network service functions specified.

At 240D, a request for routing data traffic through at least one networkservice function is received through the API. In some embodiments, thiscorresponds to a user creating or modifying a network service functionpath by specifying at least one network service function to be includedin the path. As an example, controller 210A may receive a request forrouting data traffic through a firewall in Dallas and/or a networkaddress translation (NAT) service in Atlanta.

At 250D, a network service path is built through a communication networkthat includes the at least one network service function. Continuing theprevious example, if a user specifies a network service function inDallas to be included in a service function path, a path betweenendpoints that includes the service function node in Dallas may bebuilt. An example of such a network service path is network service path220B (FIG. 2B).

At 260D, the network service path and a classifier corresponding to thenetwork service path is provided to the network routers. Thiscorresponds to controller 210A programming provider edge nodes to routedata traffic that includes the classifier on the network servicefunction path built at 250D. When data arrives at the programmedrouters, if a classifier match is found, the router will route the datatraffic through the network service functions that are on the matchingservice function path.

Although the actions of method 200D are described above with respect toan application programming interface, various embodiments include othermechanisms to publish the service function node information and receivethe specification of network service function paths. For example, acontroller may communicate with a customer service portal that providesan interface that allows a customer to specify network service functionsto be included in a service function path. The service portal may be astandalone kiosk, a web based interface, an application running on amobile device, or the like.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2D, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular, avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions described. Forexample, virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate in wholeor in part providing access to information regarding available networkservice functions through an API and building a network service paththrough which data will be routed.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part providing access to information regardingavailable network service functions through an API and building anetwork service path through which data will be routed.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part providing access to information regarding availablenetwork service functions through an API and building a network servicepath through which data will be routed. In one or more embodiments, themobile network platform 510 can generate and receive signals transmittedand received by base stations or access points such as base station oraccess point 122. Generally, mobile network platform 510 can comprisecomponents, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparateplatforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internetprotocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) andcircuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as controlgeneration for networked wireless telecommunication. As a non-limitingexample, mobile network platform 510 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 510comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 540 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 canauthorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arising from suchnetworks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, orroaming, data generated through SS7 network 560; for instance, mobilitydata stored in a visited location register (VLR), which can reside inmemory 530. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based trafficand signaling and PS gateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTSnetwork, CS gateway node(s) 512 can be realized at least in part ingateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated thatfunctionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PSgateway node(s) 518, and serving node(s) 516, is provided and dictatedby radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network platform 510 fortelecommunication over a radio access network 520 with other devices,such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part providing accessto information regarding available network service functions through anAPI and building a network service path through which data will berouted.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM(DRRAIVI). Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems ormethods herein are intended to comprise, without being limited tocomprising, these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . .xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: receiving a first list of networkservice functions reachable by a first router in a first geographicallocation, wherein the first list includes first information regardingthe network service functions of the first list, and wherein the firstinformation includes: capabilities of each of the network servicefunctions, a type of each of the network service functions, and acurrent loading of each of the network service functions; receiving asecond list of network service functions reachable by a second router ina second geographical location; exposing the first list of networkservice functions and the second list of network service functionsthrough an application programming interface (API), wherein the exposingcomprises providing at least a portion of the first information to auser through the API; receiving, through the API from the user, acustomer request for routing data traffic, the customer requestidentifying at least one network service function of the first list ofnetwork service functions and the second list of network servicefunctions; in response to the customer request, building a servicefunction path that includes the at least one network service function,resulting in a built service function path; providing a classifiercorresponding to the built service function path that includes the atleast one network service function to the first router and the secondrouter; and routing data traffic according to the classifiercorresponding to the built service function path.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein the at least one network service function comprises afirewall.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one networkservice function comprises a network address translation (NAT) service.4. The device of claim 1, wherein the receiving the first list ofnetwork service functions reachable by the first router comprisesreceiving border gateway protocol (BGP) advertising reachability of thefirst list of network service functions.
 5. The device of claim 1,wherein the first router is a first provider edge (PE) node, and thereceiving the first list of network service functions reachable by thefirst router comprises receiving the first list of network servicefunctions from the first PE node.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein thesecond router is a second provider edge (PE) node, and the receiving thesecond list of network service functions reachable by the second routercomprises receiving the second list of network service functions fromthe second PE node.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least onenetwork function comprises a packet analyzer service (PAS).
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the at least one network function comprisesdistributed denial of service (DDoS) mitigation.
 9. A non-transitory,machine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that, whenexecuted by a processing system including a processor, facilitateperformance of operations, the operations comprising: receiving a firstlist of network service functions reachable by a first router in a firstgeographical location, wherein the first list includes first informationregarding the network service functions of the first list, and whereinthe first information includes: capabilities of each of the networkservice functions, a type of each of the network service functions, anda current loading of each of the network service functions; receiving asecond list of network service functions reachable by a second router ina second geographical location; exposing the first list of networkservice functions and the second list of network service functionsthrough an application programming interface (API), wherein the exposingcomprises providing at least a portion of the first information to auser through the API; receiving, through the API, from the user, acustomer request for routing data traffic, the customer requestidentifying at least one network service function of the first list ofnetwork service functions and the second list of network servicefunctions; in response to the customer request, building a servicefunction path that includes the at least one network service function,resulting in a built service function path; assigning a classifier tothe built service function path; identifying a match between theclassifier assigned to the built service function path and a trafficclassifier, wherein the traffic classifier is added to the data traffic;and routing the data traffic with the classifier on the built servicefunction path based on the identifying a match.
 10. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the at least one networkservice function comprises a firewall.
 11. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the first router is a firstprovider edge (PE) node, and the receiving the first list of networkservice functions reachable by the first router comprises receiving thefirst list of network service functions from the first PE node.
 12. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the secondrouter is a second provider edge (PE) node, and the receiving the secondlist of network service functions reachable by the second routercomprises receiving the second list of network service functions fromthe second PE node.
 13. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium ofclaim 9, wherein the at least one network function comprises a networkaddress translation (NAT) service.
 14. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the at least one networkfunction comprises distributed denial of service (DDoS) mitigation. 15.A method, comprising: receiving, by a processing system including aprocessor, a first list of network service functions reachable by afirst router in a first geographical location, wherein the first listincludes first information regarding the network service functions ofthe first list, and wherein the first information includes: capabilitiesof each of the network service functions, a type of each of the networkservice functions, and a current loading of each of the network servicefunctions; receiving, by the processing system, a second list of networkservice functions reachable by a second router in a second geographicallocation; exposing, by the processing system, the first list of networkservice functions and the second list of network service functionsthrough an application programming interface (API), wherein the exposingcomprises providing at least a portion of the first information to auser through the API; receiving, by the processing system, through theAPI from the user, a customer request for routing data traffic, thecustomer request identifying at least one network service function ofthe first list of network service functions and the second list ofnetwork service functions; in response to the customer request, buildinga service function path that includes the at least one network servicefunction, resulting in a built service function path; generating aclassifier corresponding to the built service function path thatincludes the at least one network service function to the first routerand the second router; and routing data traffic according to theclassifier corresponding to the built service function path.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the at least one network service functioncomprises a network address translation (NAT) service.
 17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the receiving the first list of network servicefunctions reachable by the first router comprises receiving bordergateway protocol (BGP) advertising reachability of the first list ofnetwork service functions.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the atleast one network function comprises a firewall.
 19. The method of claim15, wherein the at least one network function comprises a packetanalyzer service (PAS).
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the routingof the data traffic according to the classifier corresponding to thebuilt service function path comprises: comparing the classifiercorresponding to the built service function path with a trafficclassifier, wherein the traffic classifier is added to the data traffic;and routing the data traffic by the first router through the at leastone network service function when the first router sees a classifiermatch on the data traffic that is being routed through the first routerthe first router based on the comparing.